FIRMS GET FIT FOR CONFERENCE

EMPLOYERS are limbering up for a conference aimed at cutting sickness absence and encouraging healthier workplaces.

The Fit for Life, Fit for Work, Fit for the Future conference and exhibition will give bosses access to health specialists who will demonstrate how adopting the right working practices can bring major benefits to their businesses.

Delegates at the event, organised by EEF Northern, will learn at first hand how adopting more flexible working practices can have a profitable impact on their businesses.

David Lennan, chairman of Work Wise UK, will speak at the conference which is being held at Durham County Cricket Club on Wednesday, September 26.

Mr Lennan heads the smarter working campaign which is calling for an end to the nine-to-five culture. Work Wise has highlighted how making changes to working practices and better use of technology can lead to a healthier lifestyle for employees, reduced congestion and can raise productivity in the workplace.

Mr Lennan will share the stage with Alan Hinkes, the first Britain to climb the world's 14 mountains with peaks of over 8,000m, and Dr Sayeed Khan, EEF Chief Medical adviser. And, to complement the serious messages given out during the day, a laughter therapist will be on hand to entertain the audience.

Alan Hall, EEF Northern director, said: "The workplace of the 21st century is rapidly becoming radically different from the past as more employers appreciate the benefits of smarter working practices.

"This conference will demonstrate to employers and HR professionals the entire spectrum of ways in which to build a happier, healthier workforce. It will also highlight the productivity benefits to the business and social benefits to the employee."

Dr Paul Litchfield, BT Group Medical officer, and Professor Dame Carol Black, the Government's National Director for Health and Work, will also speak at the event. BT has recorded savings of £52m per year after changing its working patterns.

Mr Lennan said: "It is understandable that employers may be cautious about changing long-standing working practices. But the evidence is there from companies that have made the switch that this can have a substantial financial benefit.

"It also has a major impact on staff retention with a Department of Trade and Industry Work Life Balance Survey in 2003 showing that 75% of companies introducing these work practices said they had a more committed and motivated workforce."

Simon Roberson, Chairman of Work Wise North East said: "Work Wise is delighted to support EEF's Fit for Life event and there is a great line up of speakers. The health, wealth and happiness benefits brought about by flexible working are impossible for employers to overlook" said Simon

Work Wise North East aims to consign nine-to-five, five-days-a-week working to history and the promotion of smarter working practices are important steps to creating 21st Century work

For further information on the Fit for Life event contact Joanne Holborn on 0191 4165656 or to  book a place contact Jackie Harris on 0191 4165656 email jackieharris@eefnorthern.org.uk or you can book on-line at www.eefnorthern.org.uk

ends

Media contact:  Sheila Chapman, Sheila Chapman PR on 07732 827 486 email scpr@btopenworld.com

Notes to editors:

• Work Wise UK is organised by the IT Forum Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation.
• The Work Wise North East campaign has attracted wide-ranging support from leading organisations in the region including the Association of North East Councils, TUC, One NorthEast, Government Office, North East Chamber of Commerce, North East Chamber of Commerce, EEF Northern, Onyx Group, Workplace Travel Planning Company, Dickinson Dees, RBLI, Equality North East, BT and The Journal.